November 3, 2025 REGULAR MEETING

STILLWATER TOWNSHIP
RECREATION COMMISSION
November 3, 2025 @ 7:00pm

MEMBERS PRESENT: Mr. Carovillano, Mrs. Falotico, Mrs. Trotter, Mrs. DiBattista, Mrs. Staudt, Mrs. Richardson, and Mrs. Tosti
LIASION: Mr. Manser and Mrs. Delaney were both in attendance
MEMBERS ABSENT: Ms. Klamerus (was available to attend via Zoom, however the system was down due to arrangement in the meeting room).

Mrs. Tosti called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. with the statement that this meeting follows the Open Public Meetings Act. Regular meetings are held on the first Monday of the month at 7:00 p.m., at the Stillwater Township Municipal Building located in Middleville, New Jersey. This meeting was held at the Stillwater Township Municipal Building.

The flag was saluted and roll call taken.

Approval of Meeting Minutes:
Mrs. Tosti made a motion to approve the minutes of the October 6, 2025, meeting, seconded by Mrs. Trotter.

Roll Call Vote: Mr. Carovillano, abstain, Mrs. Falotico, yes, Mrs. Trotter, yes, Mrs. DiBattista, yes, Mrs. Staudt, yes, Mrs. Richardson, yes, Mrs. Tosti, yes

Payment of Bills:
Mrs. Falotico made a motion to approve the payment of the following bills totaling $3,571.94, seconded by Mrs. Richardson.

Roll Call Vote: Mr. Carovillano, abstain, Mrs. Falotico, yes, Mrs. Trotter, yes, Mrs. DiBattista, yes, Mrs. Staudt, yes, Mrs. Richardson, yes, Mrs. Tosti, yes

Septicare (October 2025 Porta John Rentals) – $430.00
Shoprite (Summer Camp Supplies) – $27.61
Sports Field Services (Proposal – Pitching Mound Rebuild @ Stillwater Park) – $3,000.00
Shoprite (Trunk or Treat Supplies) – $114.33

Correspondence:
There was no correspondence to report.

Open Public Session – Agenda Items Only:
The meeting was opened to the public at 7:11 p.m. No one from the public wished to speak during the open public session. The meeting was closed to the public at 7:11 p.m.

Amendments to the Agenda:
There were no amendments made to the agenda.

New Business: Introduction of New Member Application for Alternate #1 Position:
Our CFO requested that Mrs. Wunder obtain quotes for our septic needs in our parks to ensure we are getting a fair price. Mrs. Wunder contacted three new companies as well as our existing provider, Septicare. Only one of the four companies responded – United Site Services. Our current price per basic unit with Septicare is $65.00, while United Site Services is $68.00 per basic unit. Our current price per ADA unit with Septicare is $75.00, while United Site Services is $102.00 per ADA unit. The Recreation Commission agreed we are getting a fair price with Septicare and we will continue to utilize their services. Should any of the other contacted service companies respond with a cheaper price per unit, the Commission will revisit this discussion.

Old Business:
There are no updates.

Sub-Committee Reports:
a. Clean Up Day – 10/4/2025 – Mrs. Tosti:
There are no updates. 

b. Miss Stillwater, Little Miss and Mr. Stillwater – Mrs. Beshada & Mrs. Staudt:
Mrs. Tosti contacted Mrs. Beshada to revisit her interest in chairing this event for 2026 since she has chaired this event in the past. Mrs. Staudt had also expressed an interest in participating in the event. Both Mrs. Beshada and Mrs. Staudt will be chairing this event. 

c. Stillwater Day – 6/6/2026:
There are no updates. 

d. Garage Sale Weekend – 5/16/2026 & 5/17/2026 – Mrs. Wunder:
There are no updates.

e. Summer Camp 8/11/2025-8/22/2025 – Mrs. Tosti:
There are no updates. 

f. Sussex County Day Expo 9/14/2025 @ 11:00-4:00 p.m.:
There are no updates. 

g. Senior Events – Mrs. Richardson:
Game Night 11/14/2025 @ 6p-8p @ Community Center:
Mrs. Richardson will be hosting the usual games with the addition of a new game: charades! There will be fall prizes. The flyer has been advertised. Terry Martin donated a variety of new games. Thank you! Mrs. Richardson does not need any volunteer to help with the event, but mentioned members are more than welcome to join in on the fun. 

h. Decorating Contests (Halloween) – Mrs. Klamerus
The Commission reviewed the online results for the People’s Choice category as well as individually voting for first and second place. 

Winners are as follows:
1st Place $50.00 – House #6
2nd Place $30.00 – House #3
People’s Choice $20.00 – House #6

Mrs. Tosti made a motion to approve the winners listed above decided by our Commission and residents’ votes, seconded by Mrs. Staudt.
Roll Call: Mr. Carovillano, yes, Mrs. Falotico, yes, Mrs. Trotter, yes, Mrs. DiBattista, yes, Mrs. Staudt, yes, Mrs. Richardson, yes, Mrs. Tosti, yes

Congratulations to our winners and thank you for your participation! Mrs. Tosti also thanked Ms. Klamerus for chairing the contest. 

It was noted that some entries are better seen during the day and some are better at night leading into a discussion for our next contest to have a potential day or night entry category.

It was also recommended that the gift card amounts be changed to the following:
1st Place – $50.00
2nd Place – $20.00
People’s Choice – $25.00

Mrs. Tosti made a motion to change the prize amounts listed above, seconded by Mrs. Trotter.
Roll Call: Mr. Carovillano, yes, Mrs. Falotico, yes, Mrs. Trotter, yes, Mrs. DiBattista, yes, Mrs. Staudt, yes, Mrs. Richardson, yes, Mrs. Tosti, yes

i. Tree Lighting – 12/5/2025 @ Community Center @ 6pm– Mrs. Tosti/Mrs. Richardson:
The event start time was set for 6pm. Mrs. Delaney suggested to Mrs. Tosti that she contact the DPW to schedule lighting, especially because the weather is still relatively warm. Mrs. Tosti listed all events and activities. It was discussed during our last meeting that we should try to incorporate at least one new event or activity each year. Mrs. Trotter suggested “decorating the kid” as a new contest option. Each group is given decorations and whoever finishes first with the most creative approach wins. Each members’ responsibilities for this event were discussed, and any remaining duties were delegated. Supplies we have and supplies we still need were listed. If any members think of any other supplies that need to be purchased or ordered, please let Mrs. Tosti know as soon as possible. Mrs. Tosti mentioned that our December meeting can be reserved fir important and urgent discussions/voting, but our focus should be on preparing for our Tree Lighting event. 

j. Egg Hunt – 3/28/2025 (Rain or Shine) – Mrs. Falotico and Mrs. DiBattista:
Start time to be determined.

k. Field/Pavilion Application Approvals, Scheduling – Mrs. Tosti:
Mrs. Tosti made the Commission aware that an end of year Cheer party was held on 10/25/2025 in the Veteran’s Field Pavilion. This use was already covered in their field use approval in the Spring, but Mrs. Tosti and Mr. Carovillano approved their recent formal request for 10/25/2025. 

CERT “Field & Search”
11/2//2025
Veteran’s Field Pavilion Use

Mrs. Tosti made a motion to approve CERT’s Pavilion use request for the date mentioned above, seconded by Mrs. Richardson.
Roll Call Vote: Mr. Carovillano, yes, Mrs. Falotico, yes, Mrs. Trotter, yes, Mrs. DiBattista, yes, Mrs. Staudt, yes, Mrs. Richardson, yes, Mrs. Tosti, yes

l. Field Maintenance – Mr. Carovillano:
Swartswood Mound/Batter’s Box Update:
During our previous meeting, the Recreation Commission made a motion “not to exceed $3,000.00” to cover the entire cost of the mound. This will cover the bricks, new clay, new plate, and laser leveling. This should extend the life of the mound with regular maintenance. Although, Little League will be donating half the cost, we should not be dependent on it for the initial payment. We will pay the full amount, and Little League can reimburse us. 

Mr. Carovillano reported that the seasons are winding down. The mound is great. He recommended investing in protection for our new investment during the winter months. They make specific mound protectors; however, most are costly. This isn’t something urgent, but may be an item worth budgeting for in the future. For now, two tarps would give enough coverage for the protection needed. Mr. Carovillano will research quotes for our December meeting. 

Mrs. Tosti made a motion to purchase two tarps, not to exceed $300.00, for the protection of our pitcher’s mound, seconded by Mrs. Trotter.
Roll Call Vote: Mr. Carovillano, yes, Mrs. Falotico, yes, Mrs. Trotter, yes, Mrs. DiBattista, yes, Mrs. Staudt, yes, Mrs. Richardson, yes, Mrs. Tosti, yes

m. Sheriff’s Office @ 1:00-2:00 p.m. @ Community Center:
11/18/2025 Car – Theft Device

CERT will be taking over the class mentioned above and continuing to offer programs in 2026. We are thankful as the events are valuable to residents and well attended. Mrs. Tosti read a letter from CERT suggesting a name change from “Senior Safety Programs” to “Community Safety Programs.”

n. Trunk or Treat 10/26/2025 @ 2pm @ Veteran’s Field – Mrs. Trotter:
There were 16 trunks in total. It was a great turnout. Thank you for all that helped!

o. Pop Up Vendor Fair – 11/22/2025 – Mrs. Tosti:
There are 20 vendors as of today. Supplying vendors with lunch was discussed. We can order from a local pizzeria either before the event or during charging $1.00 per slice. Although, providing some type of food is appreciated by vendors, it isn’t required. A final decision will be made by Mrs. Falotico as the event approaches. Mrs. Tosti will do an event online to allow vendors to promote what they are selling to allow for better foot traffic. Mrs. Falotico asked Mrs. Tosti about accessing the code for the Community Center so they can map out vendor placement for preparation of event day. Mrs. Tosti confirmed that she had already spoken to our Clerk and received confirmation on code access. 

Open Public Session:
The meeting was opened to the public at 8:30 p.m. No one from the public wished to speak during the open public session. The open public session was closed at 8:30 p.m.

Committee Member Comments:
The Committee reviewed our current budget and agreed to keep all amounts the same for 2026. The budget was submitted to our CFO that evening.

Mrs. Tosti made a motion to approve our current 2025 budget amounts for 2026, seconded by Mrs. Richardson.
Roll Call: Mr. Carovillano, yes, Mrs. Falotico, yes, Mrs. Trotter, yes, Mrs. DiBattista, yes, Mrs. Staudt, yes, Mrs. Richardson, yes, Mrs. Tosti, yes

Mrs. Delaney recommended Mrs. Tosti speak to our CFO regarding the Stillwater Park playground equipment replacement. In response, Mrs. Wunder read the Commission a note from our CFO regarding this cost.

“As a reminder, capital projects are anything over $5,000.00 that ahve a useful life of at least 5 years. If it is going to be more than $5,000.00, Recreation has a ‘Park Projects’ reserve they can use to pay for it. There is currently $20,000.00 in it.”

For our December meeting, we should have the most accurate number of what we have spent so far and how much we have leftover. Mrs. Delaney suggested we think about purchasing bigger ticket items with any remaining money such as the appropriate mound protection versus the tarp option.

The Commission has also discussed providing our Santa with a new chair for the Tree Lighting.

Mrs. Tosti made a motion to purchase a new chair for Santa up to $400.00, if our remaining budget allows, seconded by Mrs. Falotico.
Roll Call: Mr. Carovillano, yes, Mrs. Falotico, yes, Mrs. Trotter, yes, Mrs. DiBattista, yes, Mrs. Staudt, yes, Mrs. Richardson, yes, Mrs. Tosti, yes

Liaison Report:
Mr. Manser and Mrs. Delaney reported:
– There was a Township Committee meeting held on 10/21/2025 @ 7pm
– The Township Committee meeting was standard order of business, all reports were given.
– In regard to replacement/reconstruction of Lake Plymouth’s dam, their association was asked to present information to the Township Committee and attorneys for both possibilities. A 1.5 hour discussion took place amongst members and the community to voice their concerns and questions.
– Mrs. Richardson has been named “events Coordinator” at the Community Center.
– The budget is currently being worked on. Mrs. Tosti asked that Mrs. Delaney and Mr. Manser put in a Capital Request for the playground equipment at Stillwater Park. Mrs. Tosti will obtain quotes to ensure it exceeds the Capital Request requirement amount.
– A 30 min Executive Session took place.

Adjournment:
Mrs. Tosti made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 9:00 p.m., seconded by Mrs. Richardson. A vote was taken, and all were in favor.

Respectfully Submitted,
Danielle Wunder, Secretary